MacGyver

9 hours ago, Nemesis said:

It might be worth it especially if you aren't familiar with Dubai airport. Its huge, and 2 hours isn't that long with a little one in tow, by the time you've managed to get off a full flight. I've no idea how much the service costs, but I know the last couple of times I transitted Dubai I used wheelchair assistance. Thats free, but I would have be pleased to pay for it because it can be a very long walk. 

We've been through Dubai quite a few times and have no issues finding our way to the gate. But as you say, with a little one this time its not a lot of time to get off, get through security again and get to the next gate. For the service to the gate it was about $300 AUD for 2 adults and 1 infant. If it make sit easier it will be money well spent, just wondered if the service you get is actually worth it though. 

Hi,

We are travellign to Scotland for Christmas, 2 adults and one toddler. We have 2 hours between landing and take off (if all goes to schedule). We;ve done this trip a thousand times and no issues finding our way to the next flight, but we've never done it with a toddler before and wondering if the meet and greet service is worth it?

It seems to offer collection on arrival, implies priority transfer through security etc (is it priority?) and taken straight to the departure gate. Has anyone used this service to transfer between flights and if so, was it worth it? The only reason we're considering it is to avoid herding a wild kid with pent up energy through Dubai airport and instead getting whisked to the next gate where we can let her run wild, knowing we are at the gate and waiting to board on time.

Thanks

If your husband intends to work in the UK (and he doesn’t have UK heritage) have you looked into the spouse visa for him? 

There are a number of challenges linked to it, mostly the financial requirement. If you haven’t already, it might be worth exploring this so you are aware of possible hurdles and can be ready to present solutions to your husband.

30 minutes ago, Blue Flu said:

I don't recall saying avoidance. Please don't place terminology that I never wrote onto me. What I did state was a reputable Real Estate agent telling me about her suburb being City Beach , when I mentioned how ingrained it was in this area. Nothing to do with safety.  Lovely houses around me as well, if not quite up to City Beach price range. 

What's not to like. As mentioned the wind is near the beach. When friends rented there , many times we were unable to sit outside admiring the view having a BBQ. Probably quite impersonal. The cafe/restaurant scene has vastly improved over the years close to the beach, even if still a little limited. It's a suburb I expect you would exit and enter your house by car, (as are many, not picking on CB) but limited walkability scale as well as public transport. As I said I have no idea on a personal level with regards to meth there. But knowing better other beach side suburbs it would not surprise me. I suspect the entire picture is a useful response. Don't you? 

Some of this is helpful yes

Can we not turn this thread into another meth thread and give the OP useful responses. Honestly if we’re labelling City Beach as an area to avoid due to drugs, then I’m not sure where will ever be good enough.

City beach is a beautiful suburb, close to lots of good things, with lovely houses and not a single issue while I lived there. It’s one of the safest suburbs I’ve ever lived in and people should not be put off areas that offer such a wonderful lifestyle, if they can afford them. The only criticism I’d think of for city beach is that it has less going on than neighbouring suburbs and is very quiet, but if you want quiet by the ocean and close to the city then what’s not to like?

17 minutes ago, Blue Flu said:

It is close to impossible to check out neighbours houses, in the rich suburbs,  with out at least a few clues what to look for. These people tend to be professionals, as by me, keeping immaculate houses from the outside. A few hints would be little life, blinds usually drawn, children's play things, like trikes, trampolines, prams and toys outside giving a hint of family respectability. A few others things as well, which won't give away. 

It is only users , more in poorer suburbs that a night viewing more display going's on. 

I was more referring to other more obvious concerns you can observe with neighbours houses. In all honesty if people are so good at hiding drug use/production and it is completely invisible from the outside, doesn't impact the neighbourhood in any visible way and isn't associated with "users" lurking around, then why worry about it for the purposes of house purchase/rent? 

If the profile of drug manufacturers are quiet, polite professionals with a beautiful house, well maintained garden and children's toys outside, I hope I live near some of them next time I move. Anyway lets not derail this thread with more discussion about drugs being everywhere in every street in the world.

On 17/07/2022 at 07:38, DrDougster said:

We're moving across. In the words of The Pet Shop Boys "life is peaceful there". But, where exactly?

Having read the Inner West thread, we're looking at slightly different areas. We will both be working at Sir Charles Gairdner and we have a daughter who has just turned five and so is going into year 1. We are looking at St Hilda's and St Mary's, visiting in September. From a couple of days looking around I think Cottesloe, Nedlands, Claremont looked nice with perhaps Wembley Downs and Churchlands if we were to go for St Mary's. Dalkeith looks too spendy!

Is there good public transport down to the hospital from a little further North?

Is there something "wrong" with City Beach that is driving down the price of big houses with ocean views? I'd hazard a guess at drugs from the postings on here.

Any further advice a year on and in slightly different circumstances to the other thread?

City beach is beautiful. We lived there for a year and if you exclude that area for “drugs” then it’s hard to imagine anywhere that would be acceptable. Transport into the city is direct bus, or bus to train station then into city. Depending on where you are it’s about 40min on the bus, if you drive it it’s more like 20mins. As with any area, just check what the neighbours houses look like.

I hope you don’t mind me asking why you decided to move from Brisbane to Perth? I ask because we have toyed with the idea of going the other way so any insights you might have could be invaluable.

12 hours ago, JayManx said:

I'm lucky to know a couple of contacts in Perth for painting and decorating, from when I did a worki g holiday visa some years ago. The plan was to contact them, when things are more set in stone and reach out to others. 

 

I'm going to contact the migration agent to ensure that my 13 years previous experience and the level 3 will be sufficient. He did say it was.

The initial plan to get straight in to work was based on the visa quote of £20,000 and £3500 for my level 3. Six months living expenses on top of that means I won't be in Ozzy for dlsome time  

Get a second quote and opinion from one of the agents on here. 20k sounds like a very, very high number

12 hours ago, Southeastpom said:

Thank you for the suggestion. I have thought about this but I would have to take my kids with me and I’m not really wanting to talk about my feelings I have a lot going on to like really have time to sit and wallow in it I just need to get organised and on top of everything.

So bascially where I moved from was the city and to is south eastern suburbs in the cheapest area I could find. I chose to do a share house so I also have the flexibility to move when I need to but also because there is such limited options too. I was looking just earlier on real estate and Domain to see if there is a (non share) house in my price range to move too but then the cost of moving and the stress. I just don’t think it’s a wise decision for now. I just really wanna get back to the UK when I can.

I note Marissa said you have a dog - from personal experience it is very, very expensive to transport a pet back to the UK (or to Australia for that matter). Given your financial situation you may have to consider re-homing your dog. I know how hard that will be but it sounds like you have a lot of tough choices to make and this will save you thousands of dollars for moving.

10 hours ago, Southeastpom said:

So due to a loss in the family I’m coming back to the UK, me and my  kids. We don’t have anyone out here anymore and where I live there is currently a housing crisis, I’m struggling to get by and have no help or support out here. It’s been a number of years since I’ve been back and all my kids (born here) are under 3years old. I have dual citizenship and I am in the process of getting passports for the kids. 

My biggest concern is housing when I get back.
Family members in the UK unfortunately do not have room for us as its over crowded for them as it is. I’ve tried even friends but it’s the same deal. I guess it’s a common struggle for us working class to have free space especially when it’s to accommodate a whole family. I’m really stuck with what to do or where I will live. 
 

what are reasonable suggestions and steps I should take? because I am really lost with this. 
 

I had thought of going back for say a few days just to try to sort some sort of option out in person, even just to be able to get on a housing list and get the ball rolling. I can’t afford a b&b for longer than a few days. I am saving up best I can now though so I can go back with as much money as possible just to keep us all by. 

My current living situation (here in aus) so because I am relying solely on one income now and because of the current housing crisis I wasn’t able to afford where we was living anymore. Now I live at a share house and me and my 3 kids live in a single room.  I have no other family here and I’m an introvert so I’ve never really had a proper friends circle since I have been here over the years I’d just had my partner.
 

My family and friends in the UK all say I should definitely come back but I’ve not really got an idea, and neither of they, of how I do that or where I’ll live when I get there. I need to sort this out before I can purchase plane tickets. 
I’m a qualified nurse but with the price of daycare when you have multiple children, cost of petrol, cost of parking, etc. it worked out I actually make less money working than what I do if I don’t work and stay on centrelink. So instead I am currently on centrelink, I study online fulltime, im a stay at home mum, I’m still in a period of grieving, and I’m in a country where I have no family members or any help with the kids.
 

now you know my situation, is there any suggestions what steps I should be taking? I really need to get the ball rolling. 

The first step might be to go see a bulk bill GP and discuss a mental health plan, which will be free. I have no idea how to resolve such an abundance of challenges and heartache, but having the space to talk to someone might help clarify your thinking, or at the very least offer some support during this difficult period.

Also my first thought was that it sounds like you aren't overly restricted geographically, would it be an option to move to an area with cheaper and more available housing, while you save money and consider your options? It wont change much other than possibly giving you some space in your own home while you consider your future and make plans. Which state/general location are you currently based?

29 minutes ago, Jon the Hat said:

I have Gov.uk sending authorisation texts to my Australian phone - try it again.

I was about to say the exact same thing, I also have this setup with my Australian number.

On 05/06/2022 at 06:38, Parley said:

It shows it is a good idea not to sell up when moving back until absolutely certain you will not return.

Still it is easy to be wise after the event I concede.

I strongly agree with both of these comments. From personal experience, I would encourage anyone thinking of moving to Australia or the UK to "test the water" to put everything in storage and rent out property, until they are absolutely certain they will stay long-term. We could've saved tens of thousands of dollars if we had done so - which is why I also agree with your second point!

5 hours ago, Parley said:

You are obviously a socialist.

I’m some views yes, in others no. Labels and boxes aren’t helpful. Life isn’t black and white.

4 hours ago, DIG85 said:

I don't follow your reasoning here. If the annual premium for base level private healthcare (BLPH), taken out solely to avoid the MSL, is lower than the MLS that would have otherwise have been payable, then you have saved money, and the BLPH is therefore worth it it, regardless of the quality of the BLPH. By avoiding the MSL, you do not restrict your access to the Medicare system in any way.

Whether it is good public policy to effectively encourage the transfer of taxation revenue to the coffers of private health insurers, is another matter.

If it’s lower than the MSL then yes you would save some money.

But if the cover is garbage I’d personally rather make a small loss and contribute to public finances, than to a private company. I appreciate others will take a different view on where to send their hard earned money, and I’m not trying to convince anyone to change their approach. 

3 hours ago, Parley said:

That is what i said.

Macgvyer seems to think if he pays the medicare surcharge it will end up in the public health system.

Doesn't work like that.

I’m content to pay into the public purse, at a small personal loss. I’m not trying to convince you to do the same. 

8 hours ago, Parley said:

That is like saying you should give away all your salary to the poor rather than selfishly spending it on yourself.

 

No, it’s like saying you should buy a homeless person one meal rather than stuffing McDonald’s in your face for the third time that day.

Medicare provides an excellent service. Base level private healthcare, solely to  avoid the Medicare surcharge levy, seems to be pretty useless. So there is an argument (which you might disagree with) that it may be better spent on the Medicare surcharge levy.

6 hours ago, Jon the Hat said:

Unless you will pay medicare levy surcharge without it (single 90k or couple over 180k earnings) and it makes sense.

Even if you have to pay the Medicare levy surcharge, there’s an argument that it’s worth it. Perhaps the money is better spent funding the public health system to benefit all, than putting it in the pocket of a private insurance company to benefit a few (for a poor insurance product).

4 hours ago, Marisawright said:

In that case, I think you need to cut your mother and mother-in-law some slack.  Like I said, you've shattered their dreams of an old age surrounded by grandchildren.  Even if they do fly over to see them, it's going to be for a few weeks a year at best.  And you can't blame them for feeling aggrieved that an adventure is more important than them, after all they've done for you over your lifetime.  You just have to suck it up.

You can’t blame them for feeling devastated about it, but it’s incredibly selfish for them to try to guilt their child into making a decision they don’t want to make, just to keep themselves happy.

Parents don’t do lots for their children over a lifetime to amass a debt that has to be repaid, they (should) do it because they love them and want them to be happy. If this is what makes the OP happy then her parents (and in laws) are the ones that need to suck it up and support their child pursuing her own life, just as they did.

There are strict certification/approval processes just to transport plants between Australian states (although in reality I’m unsure how they police this). I didn’t expect you would be able to bring them from overseas but google says it may be possible with the correct testing/certification etc. I haven’t read all the requirements and imagine in reality it’ll be very difficult but this site seems useful:

https://www.awe.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/goods/plant-products

Check the Section on “live plants”

5 hours ago, Marisawright said:

I know the OP said "foot in the ground" but I think it's always worth mentioning, because I think some people get a distorted view of the "cost of moving" as just the journey itself.   And then it's a shock when they haven't budgeted for kitting out a household from scratch, something most people never have to do, so they don't realise how many thousands it's going to cost.

It largely depends on the OPs situation. There are some circumstance where it can cost significantly less eg if you’re young and single, come with nothing but a suitcase, move into shared accommodation, have a job lined up before you arrive etc. But I appreciate that typically these questions come from people with a family and more possessions/complexity/cost involved.

6 hours ago, Marisawright said:

Sorry to hear your circumstances and hope it all goes well.

I can't think of anything you're required to do legally before you leave Australia.  There's a list of stuff you should do - cancel bills, arrange to ship your belongings (check out Movecube if you have only a small amount), redirect mail.  

 Dont close your Australian bank account.  For one thing, you'll need to go on using it for a month or two, until you can get a British bank account sorted (you can "open" an account on day one, but they won't let you actually use it until you've got proof of a permanent address).  

If you have time, it's worth checking your Australian bank to see how expensive it will be to use their debit and credit cards in British ATMs and shops.  If their rates aren't good, it would be worth changing banks - I know it seems like a waste of time when you're leaving, but if you end up having to keep using your cards, you'll be glad you took the trouble. My pick would be HSBC or ING which both (Iast time I looked) have no fees for using your cards overseas, and good exchange rates.

Don't cancel your Australian credit cards either, because you won't be able to get a decent British credit card or an overdraft for a couple of years.  This is because the UK is run by "credit scores".  If you don't have a credit score, you can't get credit.   As you've been away so long, you won't have a score and you'll have to create one before you can get credit. This article offers some ideas on how to do it:

  https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/bad-credit-credit-cards/

Once you're in the UK and have an address, write to your super fund with your new address, and tell them to cancel all insurances.  Contact the electoral commission and get yourself taken off the electoral roll.  Don't forget to let your Australian bank know your new overseas address, too.

 

 

A temporary solution for the bank account issue is to open a Wise account (formerly Transferwise) or similar (Revolut is another similar service I think). Download the app, open it in Australia (including ID verification) then receive a card to your Australian address. You can then (via the app) open an account in the UK which gives you a sort code, account number and a UK bank address. On your return you can receive salary into it, setup direct debits, make card payments and do just about anything else you need from a regular bank account. 

1 hour ago, Toots said:

Yes, well that's your opinion of where you live   .....................  Perth.  Can't remember the last time I was in a shopping mall and I can walk to just about anywhere I need to where I live.  What is it with the 'falseness of people'.  You can find false, pretentious people anywhere  ....  not just in Perth.  I agree about the poor street lighting.  It was pretty poor in Sydney too also here.  However, during the day I see plenty of people around our street.  There could be drugs around but I'm unaware of what's going on as far as that's concerned apart from the odd, obviously mental health affected person wandering around  .....  the fault of drug use maybe?  Not too many of them thank goodness.  Maybe because Devonport is a fairly working class town you would stand out like a sore thumb if your tried to be fake or false.  They call a spade a spade around here.

Just got back from a visit to a little town called Wilmot.  I met a couple from Victoria last year who bought a few acres just outside Wilmot.  They've just finished renovating the old farmhouse and they have finished fencing the paddocks.  Last time I was in Wilmot during winter it snowed.  It was 23C today.  Not everywhere in Australia has stinking hot weather.

Thing is I'm happy here.  Got good friends, good neighbours and that means a helluva lot to me.

Just thought I'd post a positive outlook on my life here (after the negative posts above) but I still don't consider myself Australian.   After all when all is said and done, that's the subject of this thread isn't it? 

 

Sometimes your posts make me want to move to Tasmania Toots - your descriptions often remind me of the better parts of Scotland!

41 minutes ago, bug family said:

in the UK I have the choice of 9 major supermarkets with way more choice ....here I have Cole or Woolworths rinse and repeat Across every suburb Australia wide

Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, Spudshed, Farmer Jacks, IGA, Costco, plus numerous Asian, Indian and other ‘ethnic’ supermarkets. Produce on offer is a different discussion and you may prefer the UK stores (I don’t), but to say there isn’t choice of supermarkets here simply isn’t true.

3 hours ago, Dusty Plains said:

UK: YOG-URT

Australia: Yoe-Gurt.

UK:  Caff ( usually a tea room or coffee house)

Australia: Caffay, given that the word "café" is pronounced given the agrave accent on the "e"

 UK: Garage: "Garridge" ( where you park your your car under shelter)

 Australia: Gararrge:

UK: Homage:  "O'marge"

 Australia: "HOMidge"

In the part of Scotland Im from, we would say “yoe-gurt” “caffay” and “homidge”. Never heard anyone call it a caff and unsure if that’s the pronunciation across the whole of England, or more of a London thing? Certainly not UK wide though.

Can’t really blame the Aussie’s  for copying the Scot’s though I suppose 

14 hours ago, Blue Flu said:

Yes quite correct. Scotland does not to any extent have a meth problem, though from my understanding. Nor does UK in general. I hope those Back packers engaging in it don't take their acquired ' skill set' back in the home country. 

It’s a tough market for meth to break into with all the heroin, methadone, cocaine, mdma, ketamine, benzodiazepines, gabapentin, cannabis etc etc etc. 

I really do worry that you’ll return to the UK one day and find the issues you were escaping are as bad (if not worse) when you get there. Perhaps not the same substances being manufactured and used, but the same impact on society.